Maubonian te teei i nanon te mwenga bon karekean te maiuraoi, te ongotaeka ao te tangira – Home is where we nurture our children towards a healthy, responsible, loving, and prosperous future. This is the theme for this years Kiribati language week –Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati that kicked off today. The theme acknowledges the important role of the Kiribati mothers, both within their families and the wider community. It also reflects the overarching 2021 Pacific Language Week theme of Wellbeing, by linking the importance of language to overall wellbeing.
The official opening will take place tomorrow morning and will be launched live on Facebook. A special service was held at the Auckland Region Kiribati Uniting Church today for the start of Kiribati Language Week celebrations.
The event will also mark the Republic of Kiribati 42nd year of independence. The Independence Day celebration will be held at the Peace Memorial, Te Rauparaha Park in Porirua,Wellington tomorrow morning.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says Kiribati is on the front line of climate change and language will keep its people rooted to their land and tradition in the coming crisis,
“Our Pacific nations are the first to feel the impacts of climate change. Kiribati is home to around 116,300 people and is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels. Despite the enormous challenges Kiribati faces as a nation, their language and cultural identity will keep them grounded, and proud of their heritage,”says Minister Sio.
Kiribati Language Week will run from Sunday 11 July to Saturday 17 July 2021.
Image credit: Ministry for Pacific Peoples/ Facebook